Topic Wiki

*=More info below
Company  Price  Sim  Talk/SMS  Web  Free Int'l  Signup Bonus  Israeli CC  Real TZBlackerry
Hot99₪49₪Unlimited3GB31 countries49₪/6 months*  Yes*Yes*
Golan99₪49₪UnlimitedUnlimited  53 countries  ₪59 /1st yearYesNoNo
01292₪Unlimited3GB42 countries*44₪/6 months  YesYes29₪
Rami Levy89₪59₪Unlimited1GB  No1₪/3 monthsYesYesNo
PelephoneYes*Yes*Free
Partner129/135₪*0₪*Unlimited  1GB/3GBAdd'l 20₪NoNoNo*39₪
CellcomA lot of $180₪  NoNo75₪

Rule #1- The Israeli cell phone service market is difficult. But cheap.
Rule #2- It is illegal for a company to "lock you in" a contract. ALL plans may be cancelled at any time with no penalty. Though, they do prevent you from opening and closing plans by charging a sim card "fee". This fee must always be paid even if paid for once before, and ranges from 39₪ to 180₪.
Rule #3- For those places that need an Israeli credit card, you may need to get one from an Israeli bank with a passport and income information although YMMV.
Rule #4- It is rarely, if ever, worthwhile to rent a "vacation plan" or prepaid, as the price for a regular unlimted plan for a month is less that a vacation plan for a week. Get a GSM phone that covers 900/1800 bands and save your money
Rule #5- All Israeli plans, whether regular or prepaid, include free incoming calls/texts.

Hot- 99₪ a month - includes unlimited calls, text and data (3 gb, then slow) and unlimited to 32 countries. Free home internet supply included. They currently have an offer if you port a number from a different network, to get the first six months for just 49₪ a month. You can move your package to a 10₪ a month plan, which includes 50 minutes and texts. You can also freeze the line once a year for up to 3 months. Regarding signup- you can use an American CC and fake TZ over the phone as one user has done.

Golan - Service is passable, but can be subpar in certain areas. There are two plans with Golan. There's the 99₪ unlimited talk/text/internet/international calling plan, which also gives you up to 2 virtual foreign numbers. This plan also includes for many countries unlimited global data roaming (6GB high-speed), incoming calls & texts, and calls & texts to Israel. They also offer a ₪29 per day data-roaming plan which gives 100MB a day in these countries. These roaming options can be very useful for foreigners regardless of whether they need Golan for Israel. See their website for details.There's a promo deal to get the 99 plan for ₪59 /month for the 1st year. There's also a ₪10 a month plan, which includes 60 min for domestic/US & CA and landlines in many countries, unlimited SMS and 10 MB of Internet, with add'l mins ₪.18 domestic, ₪.08 to US/CA and landlines in many countries, and data ₪.09 /MB. Its great for those short trips here. SIM should work in an iPad for data; you can also order a car SIM which will allow you to have 2 SIMs which draw from same plan.
[To get the sim in the USA before your trip:  golanusa.net will ship it to you for $14 (more for rush) and the 49 nis for the sim. Golan bills on the 25th of the month.  The days before the first 25th are freeprorated.(So for a trip between the 26th and the 24th of the month, you don't pay the 59 nis or 99 nis plan fee.)]

012mobile - Runs on Partner service, you will get an 054 number (unless you ported). Unlimited - 49₪ for the first 6 months and 92₪ from thereon after for unlimited everything too. Includes 3GB Data and 500 minutes to US/CA (any phone) and 40 other countries (landlines only). 9₪ plan includes 60 minutes, 60 SMS, and 100MB data. Additional domestic minutes/SMS are ₪ .09, Int'l calls to to US/CA (any phone) and 40 other countries (landlines only) are ₪ .25 per min. Add'l data bundles are available starting from ₪ 19 for 1 GB. 5GB Laptop/Tablet (data only) is 98₪.

Pelephone - Online, they accept fake TZ and US CC.

Partner - 129₪ a month for unlimited talk, text, and 1GB. 135₪ for 3GB. Family plans are cheaper.Free sim for online orders. Extra 20₪/mo. for 500 min. int'l calling. Extra 39₪ for Blackberry. May need to give 500₪ deposit that you (may) get back when you cancel the plan.  One can freeze line without charges for up to 3 months when not needed (not sure if allowed more than once per 12 months).

Freedomhot.com - 2/19/2023 - They have local pickup in lots of major frum areas and delivery too. They accept US CC. Runs on Hot Mobile. Copying and pasting from their website.
All monthly plans include: Unlimited Calls & Texts to Israeli phone numbers Unlimited outgoing calls to USA and Canada and landlines to 33 additional countries.
Unlimited incoming calls and texts from anywhere in the world. Prices include all taxes.
59 Shekels - 70GB LTE Internet Data
79 shekels - 150GB LTE Internet Data
KOSHER - Voice Only - 64 Shekels
One-time SIM card fee: 49 Shekels
Optional: add a virtual USA number for $15 per month

Misc. Info
APN settings

On Hot Mobile you can check how much data was consumed either by downloading the app or by texting גלישה  to phone number 530 from your hot mobile phone,you can as well try calling this number *6733.

Note by Menucha:
Please note: as of 4/1/13, most carriers reduce period of intro rates and at times increased cost for monthly intro. I suggest we leave the above as is, but please keep in mind new changed, which are not negotiable and based on govt agreements. monthly flat rate is still great and same. (post intro)
Also, while reps wont tell you, typically you will get longer intro rate if you activate account on your own on line, and not via rep (phone or store). confirmed with carrier. Enjoy! flat monthly, even without intro rate is still one of the lowest you will come across in the west!

Israeli cellphone rentals:

1) Talkinisrael.com
Phone: +972587564477
Whatsapp: +972536299365
Email: info@talkinisrael.com 
if you should have any problems feel free to send me a pm and I will try to help you the best I can.
Plans for sale here are primarily for long term rentals.(students and the like.)


2) Israel Rent-a-cell SIM card or eSIM with calling and data. Also you can get SIMs for Israel Kosher phones!
Contact at Israelrentacell@gmail.com or WhatsApp 972-55-333-1234
Overnight or standard delivery in USA/delivery in Israel! Pickup locations in Lakewood and Israel.
* Unlimited calls and texts in Israel
* Unlimited calls to USA, Canada and landlines in 35 countries
* Unlimited incoming calls
* 70 GB of data (can add an extra 80GB of data)
* eSIMs available!
* Free voicemail
Student discount available, $29.97 monthly, including tax! Never surprise charges or hidden fees!

3) Cellular Israel - 072-224-3300 or 718-289-0195 Full Service - short term and long term, rent phones, Kosher phones, SIM cards, mifi devices, Waze by the day or month. American Customer Service!
info@cellularisrael.com

4) Simforisrael@gmail.com free delivery to anywhere

5) UnlimitedIsrael (DansDeals Advertiser with many positive reviews on DDMS & DDF) is the leading provider of SIM card & iPhone rentals for Israel in the US.
  • Unlimited calls & texts within Israel
  • Unlimited calling to the US and Canada
  • Lightning Fast 4G Internet Speeds
  • Unlimited 4G data
  • Sim Cards - $5/day
  • iPhones - $45/week
  • Kosher Phone - $4/day
  • Mifi Hotspot - $6/day
Use code SUAVE10 for 10% off any order
« Last edited by shmuelb on August 06, 2023, 12:48:30 PM »

Author Topic: Cell Phones in Israel  (Read 1369581 times)

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #620 on: September 04, 2012, 10:04:06 AM »
I switched from Cellcom where I maxed out at 1mbps now i clock over 3mbps (although I haven't clocked my speed recently).
Interesting... whose network do they use?

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #621 on: September 04, 2012, 10:05:46 AM »
what do u have?

I have the Golan Unlimited Plan and a Galaxy S1.

Interesting... whose network do they use?

Golan piggybacks on Cellcom's network.

Offline rots5

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #622 on: September 04, 2012, 10:08:39 AM »
i have golan and i love it  of course there are aa few chisronos, i e. the no ring when calling, sometimes the call doesnt go thru but all in all its so worth it and very cheap!
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Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #623 on: September 04, 2012, 10:10:01 AM »
i have golan and i love it  of course there are aa few chisronos, i e. the no ring when calling, sometimes the call doesnt go thru but all in all its so worth it and very cheap!
+1

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #624 on: September 04, 2012, 10:23:57 AM »
Golan piggybacks on Cellcom's network.
I thought so... so why are they faster then Cellcom?

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #625 on: September 04, 2012, 10:25:39 AM »
i e. the no ring when calling,

Wuzzat?

Offline ygift

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #626 on: September 04, 2012, 10:59:01 AM »
what is the best plan now for unlimited calls within israel and to the usa? I also would prefer a plan that goes by the month. Golan has the 99 shekel plan but that requires an isreali issued credit card . is there any other plan out there that is compadible or even cheaper? I do not want internet access only regular calling and maybe texting if it doesnt add to the cost

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #627 on: September 04, 2012, 12:07:21 PM »
I thought so... so why are they faster then Cellcom?

Firstly, Cellcom is used as a backup when you can't get direct coverage from Golan's network. Second, Cellcom has started offering faster data packages.

what is the best plan now for unlimited calls within israel and to the usa? I also would prefer a plan that goes by the month. Golan has the 99 shekel plan but that requires an isreali issued credit card . is there any other plan out there that is compadible or even cheaper? I do not want internet access only regular calling and maybe texting if it doesnt add to the cost

All unlimited packages with international calling include data plans, but they are all inclusive (note that texts to the US are not included in the package). Hot and 012 Mobile each have nearly identical plans to Golan. If you really wanted to save 10 shekel a month you could get the Hot plan without international calls which costs 89 shekel/month, and using the included unlimited data package, add a Google Voice account onto your smartphone which would allow you free texting and calls to the US.

Offline ygift

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #628 on: September 04, 2012, 01:02:21 PM »
avielan
I want davka without internet. I know that with Golan you can do it without data. it wont change the price but there is an option to block internet.
do u have a contact number for hot and 012? (a number that I can dial from the USA?
thanx

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #629 on: September 04, 2012, 01:20:50 PM »
012 Mobile - +972-74-7073211
Hot Mobile - +972-53-5003000

also I just realized your problem with Golan was the need for an Israeli CC. I have actually opened an account with a US CC with no problem. Also blocking data usage is very simple and done online through Golan's website. Since it is a bundle package (with all the different carriers) I don't think you are going to find a better deal with unlimited calls (including international) without data.

Offline ygift

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #630 on: September 04, 2012, 01:52:36 PM »
do u know if there is an activation fee in addition to the 99 shekel ?

Offline L'Chaim

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #631 on: September 04, 2012, 01:59:11 PM »
do u know if there is an activation fee in addition to the 99 shekel ?
I think 30shekel for the sim card (shipping)

Offline avielan

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #632 on: September 04, 2012, 01:59:39 PM »
do u know if there is an activation fee in addition to the 99 shekel ?

It's not an activation fee but a charge to receive the initial sim card.
Golan - NIS 39 and they mail the sim card
Hot - NIS 39 and you have to pick up the sim card from a store of your choice
012 - NIS 49 and they mail the sim card or NIS 33 and you can pick up the sim card.

(all this info is on their respective websites)

Offline Yitz

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #633 on: September 04, 2012, 04:48:17 PM »
This site is eager to do business.  Schmoozecallular.com. He takes the out of dealing with the israeli cell companies.

Offline Shmelly

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #634 on: September 04, 2012, 05:02:19 PM »
I'm going to Israel for 10 days in November. Ideally I need 2 phones with Internet. Ability to call America would be nice but not 100% necessary. What's my best bet currently? I don't want to spend more than $100.
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. - Dr. Seuss

Offline sky121

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #635 on: September 04, 2012, 05:06:32 PM »
I'm going to Israel for 10 days in November. Ideally I need 2 phones with Internet. Ability to call America would be nice but not 100% necessary. What's my best bet currently? I don't want to spend more than $100.

Golan? And then cancel.
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline rots5

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Re: Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #636 on: September 04, 2012, 06:44:30 PM »
Golan? And then cancel.
na, orange 4$ a day unlimited! sky, its just 10 days, its such a hassle, i would even suggest just do talknsave type 
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Offline A European

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #637 on: September 11, 2012, 12:46:31 PM »
I did some research on this, and I'm pretty sure you can use any phone that is quad-band GSM (850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz) and that supports UMTS (most importantly 2100 MHz, but also 1900MHz and possibly 850). For Golan, all you should need is the GSM requirement; for HOT you must get UMTS too.

To check a particular phone, you can:
  • Go to http://www.phonearena.com/ and type in the name/model number of the phone in the search bar.
  • Select the phone and you will be on the "Specs" page.
  • Scroll down to the "Technology" section.
  • The supported technologies and bands/frequencies of the selected phone will be listed.

For example:


Disclaimer: This is solely based on my research. I am not located in Israel (yet) and have not tested this out. Go
anyone has information about 012 how much MHz works?

Offline A European

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #638 on: September 11, 2012, 01:08:43 PM »
anyone has information about 012 how much MHz works?
Could be i am mistaking but i Didn't see anyone put this http://www.012mobile.co.il/he-il/ link of  012.
looks like it's a good deal for American ppl 88 shekel for unlimited to Israel and the USA.
Of course if you need Europe so you're better to go with Golan or hot for 99.

Offline YudiG

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Re: Cell Phones in Israel
« Reply #639 on: September 11, 2012, 02:10:42 PM »
I got this phone...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FLL6SU/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00

Calls and sms work but not internet, it's quadband shouldnt it work or did i make a mistake?